Riverside County Man Who Attempted to Enter Federal Facility in Downtown L.A. with Several Firearms Named in Criminal Complaint

            LOS ANGELES – A Riverside County man who drove to a federal facility in downtown Los Angeles and attempted to enter with three firearms was charged late this afternoon with a federal firearms offense.

            A federal criminal complaint filed this afternoon charges Erik Christopher Younggren, 34, of Cherry Valley, with attempted possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in a federal facility, a misdemeanor offense that carries a sentence of up to one year in federal prison.

            Younggren, who currently is being held in federal custody, is expected to make his initial court appearance Friday afternoon in United States District Court.

            The complaint alleges that Younggren attempted to enter the employee parking lot under the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse Wednesday morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. When stopped by security at the entrance to the parking facility, Younggren initially stated that he was “a witness” who needed to enter the facility. When the security officer asked if he was armed, Younggren admitted to being in possession of a handgun and two rifles, according to the complaint.

            A subsequent search of his vehicle led to the discovery of two rifles, a .45-caliber semi-automatic firearm and approximately 565 rounds of ammunition. When he was detained by authorities, Younggren was wearing body armor with loaded magazines and knives attached, the complaint alleges.

            During an interview with Federal Protective Service, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, Younggren said he went to the Roybal building because he needed “protection…[and he] explained that he was purportedly a confidential informant assigned to a confidential federal task force,” according to the complaint.

            A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

            This matter is being investigated by Federal Protective Service. The Los Angeles Police Department; the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives provided substantial assistance.

            Assistant United States Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.